The firm has been in business for 50 years and serves businesses and individuals. Kirwan and Everdale both have 25 years of experience as a CPA.

Everdale said business tax returns should be kept for "at least seven" years.

"That's a common question. How long do I have to keep this stuff?" she said.

The firm can file electronically or the tax filer can request taxes be filed by paper.

Submitting returns electronically results in a faster refund.

"You can use software but if it doesn't ask you the right questions, you don't get the right answer," Kirwan said, adding the experience of the firm is an asset.

They can find ways to help clients save money and pay only the taxes that they must.

"The government has to have its due, but it doesn't have to have more than its due," Kirwan said.

No one has filed their taxes yet and will not until closer to the end of the month, he said.

Student loan interest deductions, mortgage interest, mortgage insurance deductible and business expenses can be deducted if certain guidelines are met.

H&R Block, Pottsville, also has people on staff to assist with taxes.

They opened for the tax season last week and have had about four or five people file so far.

Returns are transmitted but can't be accepted by the IRS until Jan. 31.

A wide variety of reasons brings taxpayers to the H&R Block office.

"Some people say they are not good with numbers," Helen O'Neill, office coordinator, said Thursday. She said other people have said they don't have the time or they want to make sure their taxes are done correctly.

It's important to remember your photo identification, social security card, W2s and other important tax information when you visit. Completing taxes might tax an hour or so, she said.

An appointment isn't needed.

Those with incomes of $57,000 or less can file certain tax forms for free, which will be available starting Jan. 31.

Schuylkill Community Action will have six locations for those who qualify for tax help to receive assistance until April 15.

In addition to its office at 225 N. Centre St., Pottsville, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, those locations are:

- McCann School of Business & Technology from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays

Schuylkill Community Action will be available for questions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday by calling 570-622-1995.

The free tax assistance of all locations starts Jan. 21 and ends at the close of business April 14.

Assistance is available to those who are at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level or who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. An appointment is needed.

The organization has about 18 volunteers but could use more. To volunteer, call Schuylkill Community Action's office.

Last year, 373 returns were completed amounting to $662,956 in refunds, Marie Fertig, income assistance coordinator for Schuylkill Community Action, said.

An average of $1,431 in earned income tax credits was claimed for tax filers, she said.

The credit is available to low income individuals.

Money from the IRS, banks and a foundation made the help a reality, Fertig said.

For a list of deductions and for questions, visit IRS.gov, or call 800-829-1040 for individuals or 800-829-4933 for businesses.

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